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Why are universal credit delayed?

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By *hagTonight OP   Man
over a year ago

From the land of haribos.

[Removed by poster at 01/03/21 11:06:09]

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By *hagTonight OP   Man
over a year ago

From the land of haribos.

I was watching an interesting program about it of how many can wait for 6 weeks and more and as a result they cant pay the rent in time, why does it take time, is it down to administration or is it "poorly designed" algorithm? Cos many get backdated which isnt fare in my opinion.

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By *etcplCouple
over a year ago

Gapping Fanny

If it takes 6 weeks to process, and assuming you qualify for it on day 1, why is back dating it not fair?

I don’t work in a Councils Revs & Bens department so cannot comment on why it takes so long, only that I believe it should be easier and result in less stress for those that do need to claim.

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By *hagTonight OP   Man
over a year ago

From the land of haribos.


"If it takes 6 weeks to process, and assuming you qualify for it on day 1, why is back dating it not fair?

I don’t work in a Councils Revs & Bens department so cannot comment on why it takes so long, only that I believe it should be easier and result in less stress for those that do need to claim."
Yes. I also think so that it should be alot easier for them to get it, the way the system is designed makes it more complicated than it needs to be.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

The idea is that they put you onto payments monthly like you would get with a salary, and as you'd work a month before getting your first wages they mimic that too. That way when you do start a job your in the habit of it all and don't find it so hard. A lot of benefits paid weekly before.

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
over a year ago

Central

It's a badly designed system that's not focused on the end needs of the people it's supposed to be supporting. It's unconscionable that it was allowed to be implemented this way.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Never understood it.

If you have rent to pay, that has to be paid in advance, yet the govt pay it in arrears?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Yes it takes time to process but you can apply for an advance payment if needed. No system is perfect.

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By *ce WingerMan
over a year ago

P.O. Box DE1 0NQ


"[Universal Credit Removed by Government at 01/03/21 11:06:09]"

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"If it takes 6 weeks to process, and assuming you qualify for it on day 1, why is back dating it not fair?

I don’t work in a Councils Revs & Bens department so cannot comment on why it takes so long, only that I believe it should be easier and result in less stress for those that do need to claim."

It's nothing to do with it being 6 weeks to process. All other benefits take about 2 weeks so the reason with universal credit that they make it 6 weeks is because they said that it's fairer for people that work.

So because you would normally have to wait a month before you get paid so that's why they are trying to do it that way so yes I do think it's very unfair because it leaves people without money unnecessarily.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Yes it takes time to process but you can apply for an advance payment if needed. No system is perfect."

Yes but its far from perfect. 63% of universal credit claimants are in rent arrears, average for other benefits is 39%. I can't copy the link but its on the citizens advice website.

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By *onglegs888Couple
over a year ago

Birmingham

It’s paid to ‘mimic’ having a job as your 1st pay check isn’t paid in advance. ... and quite rightly as no one should be in a better position for not working. To counter that an advance is easily accessible and is to be paid back over time.

The reality is on far too many occasions that advance is squandered on frivolity by people who can’t manage money..... which is the bigger issue if you get into the nuts and bolts of it.

Of course no system is perfect and you will always find examples of extreme consequences... but the 6 week delay in Universal credit is there for a reason and there is a way for people to mitigate it (the advance)... if people fritter that advance away in new phones and PlayStations that isn’t the fault of Universal Credit.

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By *r_PinkMan
over a year ago

london stratford

I was made redundant just before they did the furlough scheme and due to the timing , I had to wait 11 weeks before getting any benifit. This has left me with almost 3 months rent arrears.

on the 9th week, I was forced to get a UC loan which means I dont get full payments until 2 months time.

I am NOT a happy bunny I can tell ya

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"It’s paid to ‘mimic’ having a job as your 1st pay check isn’t paid in advance. ... and quite rightly as no one should be in a better position for not working. To counter that an advance is easily accessible and is to be paid back over time.

The reality is on far too many occasions that advance is squandered on frivolity by people who can’t manage money..... which is the bigger issue if you get into the nuts and bolts of it.

Of course no system is perfect and you will always find examples of extreme consequences... but the 6 week delay in Universal credit is there for a reason and there is a way for people to mitigate it (the advance)... if people fritter that advance away in new phones and PlayStations that isn’t the fault of Universal Credit. "

It's not there for any reason other than for people to be judgmental and assume that people are squandering money which seems to be what you are suggesting.

You have absolutely no idea of people's Situations and are not sure who's buying an xbox or a playstation with the £600 advance that a family of 3 gets to last 6 week.

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By *onglegs888Couple
over a year ago

Birmingham

[Removed by poster at 01/03/21 14:10:29]

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I was made redundant just before they did the furlough scheme and due to the timing , I had to wait 11 weeks before getting any benifit. This has left me with almost 3 months rent arrears.

on the 9th week, I was forced to get a UC loan which means I dont get full payments until 2 months time.

I am NOT a happy bunny I can tell ya "

Exactly And this is the reality but people want to believe that it is the individual's fault for squandering money and that the advanced payments are easy to get hold of but what they forget is it's a tiny amount that has to be paid back at a large monthly installment.

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By *onglegs888Couple
over a year ago

Birmingham


"It’s paid to ‘mimic’ having a job as your 1st pay check isn’t paid in advance. ... and quite rightly as no one should be in a better position for not working. To counter that an advance is easily accessible and is to be paid back over time.

The reality is on far too many occasions that advance is squandered on frivolity by people who can’t manage money..... which is the bigger issue if you get into the nuts and bolts of it.

Of course no system is perfect and you will always find examples of extreme consequences... but the 6 week delay in Universal credit is there for a reason and there is a way for people to mitigate it (the advance)... if people fritter that advance away in new phones and PlayStations that isn’t the fault of Universal Credit.

It's not there for any reason other than for people to be judgmental and assume that people are squandering money which seems to be what you are suggesting.

You have absolutely no idea of people's Situations and are not sure who's buying an xbox or a playstation with the £600 advance that a family of 3 gets to last 6 week. "

I’m pretty sure when UC was designed they reason for 6 weeks wasn’t so people can be judgmental... what an utterly ludicrous comment!!

You have no idea who I am, what I do or what I know... so to say I gave ‘no idea’ is at best guess work from you.

Now back to my original point... Enough (of course not all) do mismanage the money they are given and that is the true problem . There is a lack of knowledge re money management and a lack of consequence for mismanagement of money.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"It’s paid to ‘mimic’ having a job as your 1st pay check isn’t paid in advance. ... and quite rightly as no one should be in a better position for not working. To counter that an advance is easily accessible and is to be paid back over time.

The reality is on far too many occasions that advance is squandered on frivolity by people who can’t manage money..... which is the bigger issue if you get into the nuts and bolts of it.

Of course no system is perfect and you will always find examples of extreme consequences... but the 6 week delay in Universal credit is there for a reason and there is a way for people to mitigate it (the advance)... if people fritter that advance away in new phones and PlayStations that isn’t the fault of Universal Credit.

It's not there for any reason other than for people to be judgmental and assume that people are squandering money which seems to be what you are suggesting.

You have absolutely no idea of people's Situations and are not sure who's buying an xbox or a playstation with the £600 advance that a family of 3 gets to last 6 week.

I’m pretty sure when UC was designed they reason for 6 weeks wasn’t so people can be judgmental... what an utterly ludicrous comment!!

You have no idea who I am, what I do or what I know... so to say I gave ‘no idea’ is at best guess work from you.

Now back to my original point... Enough (of course not all) do mismanage the money they are given and that is the true problem . There is a lack of knowledge re money management and a lack of consequence for mismanagement of money. "

You are aware the only people that wait 6 weeks are people that are new to the benefit system right?

Anyone who is transferring over from a new benifit waits 3 weeks but in reality one week as the benefits they already receive is paid in 2 weeks arrears.

So you seem to be suggesting that the majority of people who receive UC Don't how to manage their money and bearing in mind 69% of all benefit claimants also work.

So I stand by my comment that I think you are just being judgmental and suggesting people squander the advance payment on new mobile phones and yes that is judgmental.

Also I don't know what you mean by lack of consequences for mismanagement of money because people are losing their homes I would say that's a fairly large consequence.

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By *uriousscouserWoman
over a year ago

Wirral


"It’s paid to ‘mimic’ having a job as your 1st pay check isn’t paid in advance. ... and quite rightly as no one should be in a better position for not working. To counter that an advance is easily accessible and is to be paid back over time.

The reality is on far too many occasions that advance is squandered on frivolity by people who can’t manage money..... which is the bigger issue if you get into the nuts and bolts of it.

Of course no system is perfect and you will always find examples of extreme consequences... but the 6 week delay in Universal credit is there for a reason and there is a way for people to mitigate it (the advance)... if people fritter that advance away in new phones and PlayStations that isn’t the fault of Universal Credit. "

Are you aware that everything is now done online and the new phone that to you may be squandering money may in fact be the cheapest way for someone to meet all their weekly obligations to be able to continue receiving benefits?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"It’s paid to ‘mimic’ having a job as your 1st pay check isn’t paid in advance. ... and quite rightly as no one should be in a better position for not working. To counter that an advance is easily accessible and is to be paid back over time.

The reality is on far too many occasions that advance is squandered on frivolity by people who can’t manage money..... which is the bigger issue if you get into the nuts and bolts of it.

Of course no system is perfect and you will always find examples of extreme consequences... but the 6 week delay in Universal credit is there for a reason and there is a way for people to mitigate it (the advance)... if people fritter that advance away in new phones and PlayStations that isn’t the fault of Universal Credit.

Are you aware that everything is now done online and the new phone that to you may be squandering money may in fact be the cheapest way for someone to meet all their weekly obligations to be able to continue receiving benefits?

"

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By *andyfloss2000Woman
over a year ago

ashford

U can get a upfront payment straight away more or less that they take back at 50 a month x

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By *onglegs888Couple
over a year ago

Birmingham


"It’s paid to ‘mimic’ having a job as your 1st pay check isn’t paid in advance. ... and quite rightly as no one should be in a better position for not working. To counter that an advance is easily accessible and is to be paid back over time.

The reality is on far too many occasions that advance is squandered on frivolity by people who can’t manage money..... which is the bigger issue if you get into the nuts and bolts of it.

Of course no system is perfect and you will always find examples of extreme consequences... but the 6 week delay in Universal credit is there for a reason and there is a way for people to mitigate it (the advance)... if people fritter that advance away in new phones and PlayStations that isn’t the fault of Universal Credit.

Are you aware that everything is now done online and the new phone that to you may be squandering money may in fact be the cheapest way for someone to meet all their weekly obligations to be able to continue receiving benefits?

"

Absolutely aware of that. Ability to access the internet is required... not to have the latest iPhone 12....but herein again lies the true problem. Rather than actually looking at what’s needed people are automatically defaulting to defending behaviours.

Do people need smart phones in the modern world... yes they do. But if doesn’t HAVE to be the latest model... you can access your obligations to claim benefits on a fairly cheap, unfashionable smart phone or you can use the free local libraries......

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"It’s paid to ‘mimic’ having a job as your 1st pay check isn’t paid in advance. ... and quite rightly as no one should be in a better position for not working. To counter that an advance is easily accessible and is to be paid back over time.

The reality is on far too many occasions that advance is squandered on frivolity by people who can’t manage money..... which is the bigger issue if you get into the nuts and bolts of it.

Of course no system is perfect and you will always find examples of extreme consequences... but the 6 week delay in Universal credit is there for a reason and there is a way for people to mitigate it (the advance)... if people fritter that advance away in new phones and PlayStations that isn’t the fault of Universal Credit.

It's not there for any reason other than for people to be judgmental and assume that people are squandering money which seems to be what you are suggesting.

You have absolutely no idea of people's Situations and are not sure who's buying an xbox or a playstation with the £600 advance that a family of 3 gets to last 6 week.

I’m pretty sure when UC was designed they reason for 6 weeks wasn’t so people can be judgmental... what an utterly ludicrous comment!!

You have no idea who I am, what I do or what I know... so to say I gave ‘no idea’ is at best guess work from you.

Now back to my original point... Enough (of course not all) do mismanage the money they are given and that is the true problem . There is a lack of knowledge re money management and a lack of consequence for mismanagement of money. "

There will always be a small minority like this. The press love to use them to pull down the rest of the hardworking folk who just want to keep their rent up to date and feed and clothe their families, when times are hard.

You know, those that have paid into the system for years, who only turn to the govt for help in extreme circumstances, and those who work their fingers to the bone and still cant make ends meet.

I am disgusted at the casual callousness dished out by you, and will continue to hold my head up high.

I dont have xboxes, designer clothes, the most up to date phones.

I work, I rent privately, and when I need help, I will ask for it. Waiting for 6 weeks is ridiculous in the days when money can be sent and received instantaneously.

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By *uriousscouserWoman
over a year ago

Wirral

Just my opinion, but for me it comes down to the fact that the people making these policies have no idea what it's like to really live in poverty.

There is an assumption that everyone has some cushion of savings to rely on, so a month's wait won't cause any great hardship.

The reality is that if you're living hand to mouth in a weekly paid minimum wage job it's highly unlikely (no matter how amazing your money management skills) you'll be able to go 6 weeks with no income without it having a huge impact and leading to debt issues and rent arrears just as we're currently seeing.

I don't think it's been done maliciously, I just think it highlights how out of touch the policy makers were.

Having had these flaws highlighted, I do think enough time has passed for them to be rectified. The fact they haven't leads me to think it's just another way to get people focused on "benefit scroungers living the life of riley with their massive tellies and their fags and booze" rather than looking at the real issues that are leading to the soaring wealth inequality.

Workers vs shirkers, strivers vs skivers, sadly it's the same narrative.

And yes, I have lived in poverty and have claimed benefits, and I'm extremely grateful to not be in that position at the moment.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"It’s paid to ‘mimic’ having a job as your 1st pay check isn’t paid in advance. ... and quite rightly as no one should be in a better position for not working. To counter that an advance is easily accessible and is to be paid back over time.

The reality is on far too many occasions that advance is squandered on frivolity by people who can’t manage money..... which is the bigger issue if you get into the nuts and bolts of it.

Of course no system is perfect and you will always find examples of extreme consequences... but the 6 week delay in Universal credit is there for a reason and there is a way for people to mitigate it (the advance)... if people fritter that advance away in new phones and PlayStations that isn’t the fault of Universal Credit.

Are you aware that everything is now done online and the new phone that to you may be squandering money may in fact be the cheapest way for someone to meet all their weekly obligations to be able to continue receiving benefits?

Absolutely aware of that. Ability to access the internet is required... not to have the latest iPhone 12....but herein again lies the true problem. Rather than actually looking at what’s needed people are automatically defaulting to defending behaviours.

Do people need smart phones in the modern world... yes they do. But if doesn’t HAVE to be the latest model... you can access your obligations to claim benefits on a fairly cheap, unfashionable smart phone or you can use the free local libraries......"

If you genuinely believe that people who get an advanced payment are buying the latest mobile phone with that advance payment you clearly don't know what you were talking about. And when was the last time a library was open?

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By *r_PinkMan
over a year ago

london stratford

My phone is a year and a half old (to me) and was bought 2nd hand.

Due to having to pay off the emergency loan and having money taken away to pay rent arrears (arrears coming from not having any money what so ever for 11 weeks) means I get just short of £200 a month to live on.

I can assure you "us benefit scroungers who scrounge off the government" and "squander our benefit money" is bollox and very fucking offensive.

ohhh and yes I do have to pay for my phone and internet out of that £200 or I wouldn't be able to a) look for work, b) actually sign on every two weeks and c) come on here and complain about it

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By *ools and the brainCouple
over a year ago

couple, us we him her.


"I was watching an interesting program about it of how many can wait for 6 weeks and more and as a result they cant pay the rent in time, why does it take time, is it down to administration or is it "poorly designed" algorithm? Cos many get backdated which isnt fare in my opinion."

It seems crazy and unfair to people in genuine need.

But I guess they have to be quite thorough otherwise people will just take the piss and con the system.

If imagine that for every ten genuine claimants there's probably 1 fraud.

Maybe I'm just cynical.

But it doesn't help those in genuine need and who need it straight away.

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By *andyfloss2000Woman
over a year ago

ashford


"My phone is a year and a half old (to me) and was bought 2nd hand.

Due to having to pay off the emergency loan and having money taken away to pay rent arrears (arrears coming from not having any money what so ever for 11 weeks) means I get just short of £200 a month to live on.

I can assure you "us benefit scroungers who scrounge off the government" and "squander our benefit money" is bollox and very fucking offensive.

ohhh and yes I do have to pay for my phone and internet out of that £200 or I wouldn't be able to a) look for work, b) actually sign on every two weeks and c) come on here and complain about it "

I was on it year before last and after everything paid rent/council tax/utilities and internet I had £70 a month for food and anything else x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

My UC took 8 weeks to come through 3 years ago. There is an option to get an advance to keep you going, then a little is taken off your UC payments each month until the advance is paid back. If I didn't already get PIP for my disability those few months would have been impossible.

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By *ove2pleaseseukMan
over a year ago

Hastings

Have never been on it but I don't think one boot fits all works.

Can any one tell me is rent played different to where you live.

And is all UC done in one office.

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By *adame 2SwordsWoman
over a year ago

Victoria, London

Open the subject up.

Even though we have instant payments and online banking. Why does it still take 3 days to clear a cheque? It's not admin systems, it'll be to do with earning interest I'm guessing.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I think UC is quite good, but then I manage my money well. It is calculated on your previous months wage, so you will always get it a month later with time added on for the systems calculations. Where I have had to take time off work unpaid due to my daughters school class closing due to a covid case (twice) the uc payment has buffered my lost earnings albeit a month later. There are imminent loans you can apply for if in need.

In theory this system shouldn't leave people paying back overpayments in years to come because of variable or wrongly declared incomes.

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By *hagTonight OP   Man
over a year ago

From the land of haribos.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Open the subject up.

Even though we have instant payments and online banking. Why does it still take 3 days to clear a cheque? It's not admin systems, it'll be to do with earning interest I'm guessing."

No. The rent for each size of property is set by central government, so the local authority can only pay that as a maximum.

So if your rent is higher, tough.

For example, there is a shortfall if I was on housing benefit (I am not, but have in the past) because my landlord charges more than the government thinks it should be.

Of course I could live somewhere cheaper, but the crime rates go up then!

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By *an_LexaCouple
over a year ago

Sunderland

Actually each local authority sets its own housing rates. What you pay for a 1 bedroom property in one area will be different to that in another.

So depending on where you live your housing benefit portion could be different

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By *ermite12ukMan
over a year ago

Solihull and Brentwood


"Open the subject up.

Even though we have instant payments and online banking. Why does it still take 3 days to clear a cheque? It's not admin systems, it'll be to do with earning interest I'm guessing.

No. The rent for each size of property is set by central government, so the local authority can only pay that as a maximum.

So if your rent is higher, tough.

For example, there is a shortfall if I was on housing benefit (I am not, but have in the past) because my landlord charges more than the government thinks it should be.

Of course I could live somewhere cheaper, but the crime rates go up then!"

That's the situation I'm in. Rent is £795 and max rent UC will pay is £600 ish. Added to the rent part of UC is job seekers allowance but rolled into the total UC payment.

Plus when I applied for UC originally, I had savings in a business account that they said should be taken into account and closed my original claim down. Which was incorrect as buisness accounts, should not come into any UC calculations.....So I had to start the process of applying all over again....So not at all pleased they handled my claim....But never the less very grateful. Otherwise I would have been on the streets long ago.

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By *an_LexaCouple
over a year ago

Sunderland


"Open the subject up.

Even though we have instant payments and online banking. Why does it still take 3 days to clear a cheque? It's not admin systems, it'll be to do with earning interest I'm guessing.

No. The rent for each size of property is set by central government, so the local authority can only pay that as a maximum.

So if your rent is higher, tough.

For example, there is a shortfall if I was on housing benefit (I am not, but have in the past) because my landlord charges more than the government thinks it should be.

Of course I could live somewhere cheaper, but the crime rates go up then!

That's the situation I'm in. Rent is £795 and max rent UC will pay is £600 ish. Added to the rent part of UC is job seekers allowance but rolled into the total UC payment.

Plus when I applied for UC originally, I had savings in a business account that they said should be taken into account and closed my original claim down. Which was incorrect as buisness accounts, should not come into any UC calculations.....So I had to start the process of applying all over again....So not at all pleased they handled my claim....But never the less very grateful. Otherwise I would have been on the streets long ago. "

Have you applied to the your local council for a discretionary housing payment. The clue is in the name, it is discretionary but they can pay the shortfall if you are struggling. Look on your local council site for dhp

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By *os19Man
over a year ago

Edmonton

With Universal Credit the onus is on the claimant to provide the information especially when it to housing costs the claimant will be set a to-do in the to-do section of their Universal Credit account and they will be expected to upload a picture of their tenancy agreement and utility bill for some that are not technology minded this can be a problem.The same if identification can’t be verified over the telephone picture of claimant and picture of claimant holding their identification.Universal Credit is far from perfect but it has been bought in to replace 6 benefits so it’s here to stay.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Actually each local authority sets its own housing rates. What you pay for a 1 bedroom property in one area will be different to that in another.

So depending on where you live your housing benefit portion could be different"

Very true in Southampton for example the local housing rate is £136 per week. In the London Borough of Redbridge its £207.12 a week.

However the average one bed flat in Southampton is £127 a week and in Redbridge its £287. So somebody living in London for example has a massive shortfall to make up so it's not as easy as a lot of people say on universal credits.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Open the subject up.

Even though we have instant payments and online banking. Why does it still take 3 days to clear a cheque? It's not admin systems, it'll be to do with earning interest I'm guessing.

No. The rent for each size of property is set by central government, so the local authority can only pay that as a maximum.

So if your rent is higher, tough.

For example, there is a shortfall if I was on housing benefit (I am not, but have in the past) because my landlord charges more than the government thinks it should be.

Of course I could live somewhere cheaper, but the crime rates go up then!

That's the situation I'm in. Rent is £795 and max rent UC will pay is £600 ish. Added to the rent part of UC is job seekers allowance but rolled into the total UC payment.

Plus when I applied for UC originally, I had savings in a business account that they said should be taken into account and closed my original claim down. Which was incorrect as buisness accounts, should not come into any UC calculations.....So I had to start the process of applying all over again....So not at all pleased they handled my claim....But never the less very grateful. Otherwise I would have been on the streets long ago.

Have you applied to the your local council for a discretionary housing payment. The clue is in the name, it is discretionary but they can pay the shortfall if you are struggling. Look on your local council site for dhp "

Thats only in very limited circumstances though isn't it.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Actually each local authority sets its own housing rates. What you pay for a 1 bedroom property in one area will be different to that in another.

So depending on where you live your housing benefit portion could be different

Very true in Southampton for example the local housing rate is £136 per week. In the London Borough of Redbridge its £207.12 a week.

However the average one bed flat in Southampton is £127 a week and in Redbridge its £287. So somebody living in London for example has a massive shortfall to make up so it's not as easy as a lot of people say on universal credits. "

Sorry I should have said those rates are based on a one bedroom flat.

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By *an_LexaCouple
over a year ago

Sunderland


"Open the subject up.

Even though we have instant payments and online banking. Why does it still take 3 days to clear a cheque? It's not admin systems, it'll be to do with earning interest I'm guessing.

No. The rent for each size of property is set by central government, so the local authority can only pay that as a maximum.

So if your rent is higher, tough.

For example, there is a shortfall if I was on housing benefit (I am not, but have in the past) because my landlord charges more than the government thinks it should be.

Of course I could live somewhere cheaper, but the crime rates go up then!

That's the situation I'm in. Rent is £795 and max rent UC will pay is £600 ish. Added to the rent part of UC is job seekers allowance but rolled into the total UC payment.

Plus when I applied for UC originally, I had savings in a business account that they said should be taken into account and closed my original claim down. Which was incorrect as buisness accounts, should not come into any UC calculations.....So I had to start the process of applying all over again....So not at all pleased they handled my claim....But never the less very grateful. Otherwise I would have been on the streets long ago.

Have you applied to the your local council for a discretionary housing payment. The clue is in the name, it is discretionary but they can pay the shortfall if you are struggling. Look on your local council site for dhp

Thats only in very limited circumstances though isn't it. "

Well as I said, the clue is in the name. It’s discretionary snd it’s up to the local council to make their own decisions whether they pay, how much they pay and for how long

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Actually each local authority sets its own housing rates. What you pay for a 1 bedroom property in one area will be different to that in another.

So depending on where you live your housing benefit portion could be different"

Not what I was told.

Its set by central govt based on Average house prices in that area.

Soecifically told that, because I questioned it. More than once!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Open the subject up.

Even though we have instant payments and online banking. Why does it still take 3 days to clear a cheque? It's not admin systems, it'll be to do with earning interest I'm guessing.

No. The rent for each size of property is set by central government, so the local authority can only pay that as a maximum.

So if your rent is higher, tough.

For example, there is a shortfall if I was on housing benefit (I am not, but have in the past) because my landlord charges more than the government thinks it should be.

Of course I could live somewhere cheaper, but the crime rates go up then!

That's the situation I'm in. Rent is £795 and max rent UC will pay is £600 ish. Added to the rent part of UC is job seekers allowance but rolled into the total UC payment.

Plus when I applied for UC originally, I had savings in a business account that they said should be taken into account and closed my original claim down. Which was incorrect as buisness accounts, should not come into any UC calculations.....So I had to start the process of applying all over again....So not at all pleased they handled my claim....But never the less very grateful. Otherwise I would have been on the streets long ago.

Have you applied to the your local council for a discretionary housing payment. The clue is in the name, it is discretionary but they can pay the shortfall if you are struggling. Look on your local council site for dhp

Thats only in very limited circumstances though isn't it.

Well as I said, the clue is in the name. It’s discretionary snd it’s up to the local council to make their own decisions whether they pay, how much they pay and for how long

"

Yes exactly so doesn't exactly give someone any kind of security.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Actually each local authority sets its own housing rates. What you pay for a 1 bedroom property in one area will be different to that in another.

So depending on where you live your housing benefit portion could be different

Not what I was told.

Its set by central govt based on Average house prices in that area.

Soecifically told that, because I questioned it. More than once!"

Its not, its set by the local authority.

Yes they are meant to base it on average prices but it very much depends on the local authority. In London and the South East for example you would seriously struggle to find a property within the Local housing rate.

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By *eoeclipseWoman
over a year ago

glasgow

The real problem with universal credit taking so long causes cash flow issues, meaning missed payments & additional charges meaning your now in even further debt, it snowballs really quickly when there are lots of bill piling up

(often charges are flung at the poorest of society..hence why the banks were dug up over overdraft fees few years ago)

Bear in mind kids have been homeschooling most of year too so laptops/tablet & internet access are now mandatory..not all kids got one supplied by school, mine didn't.

applying for jobs to receive benefits.

Most things are apply online so they are necessary especially with job centres & libaries shut...cant even borrow your mates now can ya!

Rents are largely private & over the top...english & ni laws are horrible, chucking someone out just cos you dont like them under the 30day rule.

Water bill, sewage, council tax,

Electricity, gas, food.

All BASIC things that need paid for and if your on benefits your lucky to have a few pounds left for a chocolate bar!

Car insurance doesnt disappear, cancelling costs ya. Nor do any forms of credit that prior to job loss were not an issue.

Im glad in scotland we dont have baliffs (hire purchase can be reclaimed as its owned by them i.e. brighthouse), its peace of mind & here you cant get chucked out for nothing the landlord must have a valid reason to want to evict you.

Here's one thing i learned about perspective...my best mate was always dripping in gold & branded gear as a kid despite being on benefits...guess what...they weren't hers, jewellery was her grannies/cousins & the clothes were all hand me downs....its not always what you think, few times is your perception true.

Dont forget phones, laptops, tablets all exist on black market as well as being available 2nd hand by cex & likes of.

Payday loans, brighthouse, providence, loan sharks etc all feed off the poorest.

Hence why these companies all get 'bumped' i.e. not paid & now in debt. Brighthouse its the big item goods & if it aint in your gaff when they come knocking them they canny take it

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By *ermite12ukMan
over a year ago

Solihull and Brentwood


"Have you applied to the your local council for a discretionary housing payment. The clue is in the name, it is discretionary but they can pay the shortfall if you are struggling. Look on your local council site for dhp "

Will look into that. Never heard of the discretionary payment before. Many thanks for your help.

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By *agneto.Man
over a year ago

Bham

I'd say those who are going to buy a new iphone with their universal credit aren't the ones moaning and are happy to wait 6 weeks. The ones who are complaining are the ones who have bills to pay in 4 weeks times, food to buy for the next 6 weeks, it's a ridiculous system, I'd say it should be 4 weeks maximum.

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By *eoeclipseWoman
over a year ago

glasgow


"I'd say those who are going to buy a new iphone with their universal credit aren't the ones moaning and are happy to wait 6 weeks. The ones who are complaining are the ones who have bills to pay in 4 weeks times, food to buy for the next 6 weeks, it's a ridiculous system, I'd say it should be 4 weeks maximum. "

see here's how I know you know nowt bout actually living on benefit, a new iphone could come from many places including as a gift, 2nd hand, contract or many other methods (UC claimants ain't the ones queueing up outside apple stores for latest releases) and as explained a internet enabled device is essential just to continue claiming UC.

Agreed the processing time is far too long, the old system was 2-4 weeks, this one I can presume has delays due to a weak system and also the direct connection to HMRC via PAYE.

There are actually a lot more checks than there used to be, especially regarding assets/savings.

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By *hagTonight OP   Man
over a year ago

From the land of haribos.

Interesting debate everyone

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By *agneto.Man
over a year ago

Bham


"I'd say those who are going to buy a new iphone with their universal credit aren't the ones moaning and are happy to wait 6 weeks. The ones who are complaining are the ones who have bills to pay in 4 weeks times, food to buy for the next 6 weeks, it's a ridiculous system, I'd say it should be 4 weeks maximum.

see here's how I know you know nowt bout actually living on benefit, a new iphone could come from many places including as a gift, 2nd hand, contract or many other methods (UC claimants ain't the ones queueing up outside apple stores for latest releases) and as explained a internet enabled device is essential just to continue claiming UC.

Agreed the processing time is far too long, the old system was 2-4 weeks, this one I can presume has delays due to a weak system and also the direct connection to HMRC via PAYE.

There are actually a lot more checks than there used to be, especially regarding assets/savings."

Apart from growing up on benefit and spending at least 2 years at various times of my adult life on benefits but ok. I think you misread my comment anyway.

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By *eoeclipseWoman
over a year ago

glasgow


"I'd say those who are going to buy a new iphone with their universal credit aren't the ones moaning and are happy to wait 6 weeks. The ones who are complaining are the ones who have bills to pay in 4 weeks times, food to buy for the next 6 weeks, it's a ridiculous system, I'd say it should be 4 weeks maximum.

see here's how I know you know nowt bout actually living on benefit, a new iphone could come from many places including as a gift, 2nd hand, contract or many other methods (UC claimants ain't the ones queueing up outside apple stores for latest releases) and as explained a internet enabled device is essential just to continue claiming UC.

Agreed the processing time is far too long, the old system was 2-4 weeks, this one I can presume has delays due to a weak system and also the direct connection to HMRC via PAYE.

There are actually a lot more checks than there used to be, especially regarding assets/savings.

Apart from growing up on benefit and spending at least 2 years at various times of my adult life on benefits but ok. I think you misread my comment anyway. "

possibly, I have spent quite a bit of time on benefits too & know others who are, so I see the things you mean but I also know how they manage it, its not what people think is what I mean. it not that you just get benefits & can live the life of riley.

I totally get how hard it can be moving from full time to UC as I have done that too and I get not assets are liquid, i.e a mortgaged house. it becomes a cash flow issues & debt building (mentioned that some where)

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